Thread: Legal issues for firing employees

Iowa is an "employment at will" state. You can fire him for any reason with a few exceptions. Keep your documentation. When he files for unemployment appeal it. Time to forget about this guy and move on. This won't bad your first or last loser.

Yes we are and is clearly stated in the handbook. If he does try to file I will deny it and will get denied.

I haven't had the need to do background checks in the past since everyone I hired was someone I knew or a friend of mine knew but this year I haven't been able to do that. After this guy I will have to start doing them and checking more into what they put down onto their resume or application.

He keeps saying he really wants his money or else he will turn me into the insurance about his back that needs surgery. He may be on something but I don't know. I am going to also start drug testing as well.

This is the not so fun side of business it takes too much time and am not making money dealing with this crap. People don't need to be so psychotic.

You could also at this point have a restraining order and or trespass warrant issued against your former employee. This may provide you with some additional protection for yourself and your family.
easy-lift guy

If he cannot do what is required for the job - IE lifting things... He cannot work.

Seems like you just need to have him back for a day. Have him lift something and snap a video.. easy evidence that his back is fine.

Bad, very bad idea.

He does that and he will immediately claim an injury.

I hear ya Red, the workforce out there sucks, for the most part. I have been struggling to find decent employees. I'm just about at the point of downsizing because I can't.

He's blowing smoke, I know you can't put it out of your mind completely, but do your best. Even if he does file something, you know you are in the right. You're sending him his money, so there isn't an issue with that. You are following your handbook AND are an at-will employer. It will blow over after some stress and raised BP.

__________________

"Science is the belief in the ignorance of the experts" – Richard Feynman

However the former employee of the OP just may contact a no fee attorney service to settle out of court, hence my suggestion for the OP to contact his attorney now.

Judgements can and do have long standing when it comes to settlements.
I know of some judgements that have prevented some sales of real property from never taking place until said judgement has been satisfied.
easy-lift guy

On a case like this most attorney will want 1500$ upfront. I wouldn't worry about it too much, the Punk doesn't have a case worth filing.

Nothing is going to come of this. Anyone serious about sueing another, certainly isn't going to give you a warning. Tell him to go pound sand. Then tell him to cease all further communication with you. If he contacts you after this, report him to the cops for harassment, then sue him in civil court for "damages" incurred by said harassment.